How Complaints Created my Happiness

Did your parents ever tell you to stop complaining? Mine did! But, a good complaint that is heard can help you create the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. You know, the one that you’re complaining you don’t have?

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • November 28, 2019
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How Complaints Created my Happiness - Online Pilates Classes
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How Complaints Created my Happiness - Online Pilates Classes

Did your parents ever tell you to stop complaining? Mine did! But, a good complaint that is heard can help you create the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. You know, the one that you’re complaining you don’t have?

Look, I am grateful that I wasn’t allowed to complain. It actually taught me to hear the complaint when I said it the first time. So, if I caught myself saying it again I would realize a pattern. And, then because I wasn’t allowed to complain I would see what action I could take to get rid of the complaint.

So, before you think I am perfect and I don’t complain I will admit that I do complain. But, I hear it and I make a decision to explore it or stop. And, because I do it like this I have created a the job I have today, met and married my husband and continue to be in control of what is happening to me.

Want to give it a try?

  1. Go ahead and complain. Write out all the things that bother you. Even allow yourself to repeat complaints. Brain dump it all. The small things, the big things. Put them down on paper.
  2. Notice if any of them are repeats. If not just take a mental note of all you wrote down and if you can remember how long you’ve been complaining put that down too. It’s pretty interesting to see how long you’ve been keeping a complaint around.
  3. When you go into that complaining mode look at your list. Is it already on there? If so, it’s time to have a conversation with yourself?
  4. Answer these questions: What do you have control over? Can you get rid of the complaint? What would it take to get rid of it? Would you have to let go of? Would you have to quit your job? What does that feel like? Do the options you have make you feel expansive or contractive?
  5. Choose your choices. We all have choices and staying with a complaint is a choice. And, it may feel like the only option. No problem. That’s so ok. But, instead of complaining about that option how can you find a way to see how this complaint is serving you now.
  6. Take action. Sometimes you can ditch a complaint quickly, sometimes you have to hold out. But, whatever the action deadline is own it and keep going. Avoid complaining about the thing again even if you have to wait 6 months to take action.
  7. Repeat as needed.

I used to complain about working too much and feeling like no one appreciated the work I was doing. So, when I heard myself say a similar complaint a few times I asked myself “what if I stopped doing that work?” And, that option didn’t make me feel better. It made me sad. So, I thought about ways that I could make changes so that I didn’t feel like no one cared. I gave myself a start date and away I would measure it and went into action. I don’t even know when I started to feel the appreciation exactly but I will say it must have been quick because I didn’t have to go back to the drawing board.

A friend of mine complained about losing a scarf. And, let me just say that losing anything sucks. I’ve been there. You feel like an idiot for not remembering where you put something or not even noticing that it went missing. But, at any rate, when I hear her complain again the second time I offered her my scarf (it was the same one she lost) and in exchange, I got a date with my now husband.

What complaint could you take action on today? Tell me in the comments below. Or, tag me in your action taking on IG.

Life is full of up’s and down’s but you don’t have to be at the mercy of life happening to you. You can happen to life!

xx~LL

By Lesley Logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

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1 comment

  1. I love this article. It really resonated with me soooooo much. Thank you for sharing your story and your tips on writing these complaints down and really exploring the inner workings of our minds. The mind is such a powerful tool we have to make life better, yet we often forget the only one who sets limitations is one’s self. Thanks again and Im looking forward to reading more from you!

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SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

UP, UP, & AWAY

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

xx-LL

THE CALM BETWEEN THE STORMS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

What Storms you ask? Well, Thanksgiving (USA) just happened and we’re kicking off the big Holiday Season right away. Let’s use this week’s Mat & Reformer classes to connect to our breath, center from the powerhouse, and find a little calm.

On the Reformer, we’ll be working to make Running more than that exercise you do to stretch your calves. And on the Mat well alter some of our traditional breathing patterns for a calming challenge!

You won’t need any special props, just your fabulous, Deep-Breathing selves!

See you in class,

Tami

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

THE BOSS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In the states its the week of Thanksgiving which means a lot of things to do and little time for you. And whether you live in the states or not I wanted to give everyone an excuse to leave any room so they can "meet with the boss" aka take class!

And you are the boss! The meeting is with you, your practice and OPC! Tell people The Boss called. They'll let you go and they'll totally understand that 30 min is a legit time to talk to The Boss.

The prop needed on the Mat: Pillows or a bolster or ball. I'm thinking about things you might have in any bedroom to take a call.

Reformer: if you happen to have access to a Reformer this week YAY! The Reformer is going to be the boss. The sounds it makes, the way it feels, its got feedback for ya!

See ya in class,

xx~LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, pillows or a bolster or ball and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

TINSEL AND TEASERS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

This week we’ll focus on Teaser because we can! It’s hard! And when in need a pretty great party trick.

The end of the year brings lots of parties you want to go to, some you have to go to and some you wish you could get out of.

Let this workout be and excuse for not going to a party or as a prep for the party trick you might just need!

Props: On the Mat and Reformer a theraband for your Tinsel!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

SLEIGH THE DAY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Sleigh or Slay? This time of year we say both!

Reflecting on the year and recognizing all of the work we put into our practice hopefully feels like we slayed the year!! Now we are getting ready for the holidays and heading into a new year so we can sleigh and get it done!

This week I want you to feel like you can do your very best with each exercise! Meet your body where it is, have fun and dont judge how it goes! There are always those exercises you aren’t sure about, but today you just have to go into it saying, I WILL SLEIGH this one! Lets do this!!

No props needed for these classes!

See you in class,

Mindi

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

HORSES HORSES HORSES

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

If you are a lover of the Reformer chances are you have little love for the Horseback. I don't blame you. It's not that fun. If you're on the Mat you probably have no idea what this means…

And that's ok! Horseback is like a seated Teaser but harder!

On both the Mat and Reformer we will be playing with how to connect to this exercise, prepare for it and find a Horse that works for us!

Props: Mat, have light weights nearby

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, have light weights nearby and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

JINGLE BELL ROCK

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

There are some Rocking Moves in Pilates! This whole month we’ll be getting our Jingle On as we use each piece of equipment to prepare for and expand on those rolling & rocking postures. Bring that holiday spirit, let's rock!

Mat - no props needed
Reformer - Reformer Box and Pole
Cadillac - no props needed
Chair - no props needed

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

Super STAR

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Did you know that a Superstar has definitions surrounding it that call out words like “prime attraction”, “prominent”, and “public appeal”?

I’m laughing as I write this description because this month’s theme is about the exercise STAR and I think these words are usually disassociated with that exercise! LOL!!!

If you hate doing Star, never wanted to try Star, or have no idea what Star is - these workouts are for YOU!!
If you love Star - I’d love to know why, but also - these workouts are for YOU!!

Throughout the Pilates method there aren’t many exercises where the side body is the main attraction, which is interesting because we need to use our side body to do some of the first exercises we learn. Rolling exercises, Roll Up, and Push Up/Planking - all need to call on your side body muscles to help you do the exercises.

Our focus this month is side body work to help you not only be a SuperSTAR and try STAR, but to help you connect to these muscles to do all the other exercises.

Let’s have FUN this month and forget about the stigma STAR may or may not have :)

Equipment needed:

Reformer = the box

Cadillac = no props needed!

Chair = no props needed, but you might want a yoga block to prop up your pedal

Mat = no props needed!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋